In case you haven’t already noticed from the chilling mornings and brisk evenings, winter is well and truly here. What does that mean? Snow. Well, sometimes. While Australia is more known for its sandy beaches than snowy mountains and towns, there are a few places you can find fresh powder down under. Whether you’re a snowboarder or a skier or just want to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland without having to fly to Europe, here are the best places to see snow near Sydney.
RELATED: Heading to the Snowy Mountains? Check out our guide to the region here.
Best Places to See Snow Near Sydney at a Glance
Our list of the best places to see snow near Sydney goes like this.
- The best place to see snow near Sydney overall: The Snowy Mountains
- If you’re looking for the closest snow to Sydney: Corin Forest
- If you want to do snow sports: Perisher and Thredo
- If you’re after a snow holiday: The Blue Mountains
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
List of the Best Places to See Snow Near Sydney
1. The Snowy Mountains
A six-hour scenic drive from Sydney and you will end up at the Snowy Mountains – a mecca for all things snow in NSW. The tallest mountain range in mainland Australia, if you’re going to see snow, it’s most likely to be here. Home to Kosciuszko National Park, there is plenty to see and do, including rivers, ski fields, caves, and glacial lakes. It also hosts an array of hidden places to eat and drink, our favourites being the cosy alpine lodge Crackenback Farm, located just 10 minutes from Jindabyne, or for something Shut The Gate Cellar Door & Providore in Berridale for some delicious wine.
Distance from Sydney: 490 kilometres (6 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: May – September
2. Corin Forest
Nestled in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra, Corin Forest is a year-round alpine adventure with plenty of snow to be seen in the winter months. Here you will find great beginner skiing and snowboarding and a range of High Country activities like tobogganing and snow play. While the actual region itself doesn’t get too much snowfall, the chilly conditions mean snow guns and an all-weather snow-making machine help top up the natural snow coverage. While there is The Corin Cafe located inside the lodge for the ultimate refuge from all the action, its convenient location to Canberra and surrounding wineries means you are just a stone’s throw away from countless Canberra restaurants and bars.
Distance from Sydney: 330 kilometres (4 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: June-August
3. Thredbo
One of the best places to see snow near Sydney if you’re into outdoor adventure Thredbo is the place to be. Located in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park within the Snowy Mountains, this ski resort offers a picturesque alpine village alongside Australia’s longest ski runs and highest lifted point. This place is best for avid skiers and snowboarders, with plenty of challenging runs. There’s also a plethora of fun experiences on offer, like the infamous Saturday night fireworks, a Sunrise Session with breakfast at Eagles Nest (Australia’s highest restaurant) and unique dining experiences like Merritts Mountain House, where you ride up on the gondola to enjoy alpine mountain views over dinner.
You’ll have no shortage of fun things to do here, especially if you check out our guide to everything that’s happening in Thredbo this winter. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for some snow!
Distance from Sydney: 490 kilometres (5 hr 30 min)
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: June – August
4. Perisher
Another ski resort for the winter sports fanatics, Perisher is home to four picturesque resort areas in one and 245 hectares of terrain with runs across Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow. Due its size, there are runs for all skill levels and it even has its own Snowsports School. Fun experiences the First Tracks experience where you can ride untouched and freshly-groomed runs and the Neon Night Skiing and Boarding.
When it comes to eating out, there are endless options for you to explore. Our go-tos include the Man From Snowy River Hotel and the Alpine Inn at Guthega is the ultimate cosy spot on the mountain for hot chocolate and coffee.
Distance from Sydney: 500 kilometres (5 hr 30 min)
Chance of seeing snow: High (snows every season)
Best time to visit: July – September
5. The Blue Mountains
One of the best places to see snow near Sydney if you are short on time, the lovely Blue Mountains is a mere 1.5 drive from Sydney, yet feels worlds away. With endless hikes, old-school pubs and plenty of epic spots to watch the sunset, the Blue Mountains is the ultimate weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. While it is pretty damn cold here and it usually snows in winter, you have to time your visit to a tee – there are only around 5 snow days per year and generally only in the upper mountains. To wind down after a long day soaking up the mountain air, head to Old City Bank Bar & Brasserie for the ultimate cosy pub experience or check out the Mountain Culture Beer Co just up the road to sample some local beer.
Distance from Sydney: 80 kilometres (1.5 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: June – July
6. Oberon
Perhaps a lesser-known destination when it comes to seeing snow in NSW, Oberon is a hidden gem just a three hours drive from Sydney. Surrounded by wilderness and pine forests, Oberon is the perfect spot for adventurers and campers and during the winter months makes for a romantic winter wonderland. While you’re there, check out the Mayfield Garden, a cool climate garden with a Japanese-style water garden, charming wooden bridges and waterfalls. There is a network of trails for walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and 4WD’ing with breathtaking views all-round. We suggest timing your visit with the first Saturday of each month so you can check out the Oberon Community and Farmers Market at Oberon Showgrounds.
Distance from Sydney: 180 kilometres (3 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July – August
7. Orange
The newest hub for all things food and wine in NSW, Orange is one of the best places to see snow if you also want to tick off some wineries while you’re at it. We suggest coming here ready to indulge – enjoy local wines paired with contemporary cuisine at The Peacock Room and The Union Bank, sample some craft beer at eclectic Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment and if you can face the freeze, some gelato from the Spilt Milk Bar doesn’t go amiss.
There are also lots of lovely walks, galleries and gardens to check out, hopefully with a dust of snow! Want to know more? Check out our guide to Orange.
Distance from Sydney: 260 kilometres (3.5 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July – August
8. Mudgee
Another rural NSW with a thriving foodie scene, Mudgee also gets pretty cold in winter which means also means snow is likely to fall a few times each winter. The viticultural heartland in NSW’s Central West is best known for its wine, artisanal produce and unique accommodation options all against the backdrop of rolling hills. Whether you see snow or not, we suggest winery hopping your way through the region. Make sure to stop at Logan Wines, Lowe Wines and the Robert Stein restaurant.
Distance from Sydney: 260 kilometres (4 hours)
Chance of seeing snow: Medium (rarely snows)
Best time to visit: July
General FAQs
It generally snows in NSW during the winter months between June to August.
If you’re looking for the closest snow to Sydney keep an eye on the weather radar for the Blue Mountains during June to August, they’re only 1 hour from Sydney. If you don’t want to wait for snow to appear (it’s very rare) head to The Snow Mountains which are 4 hours from Sydney.
July is the best time of year to see snow near Sydney.
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